If you’re thinking about buying a new furnace, there’s quite a bit to think about, including who to trust to help you select just the right product and, ultimately, install it for you. But let’s come back to that point.
For now, let’s focus on a few considerations you’ll want to bring up to your chosen HVAC contractor early in the process that are key to getting the best possible return on your investment.
The proper AFUE rating.
Our area of New York doesn’t have super harsh winters like the Dakotas or ultra-mild winters like the deep south. Ours is a temperate climate and that makes a difference when deciding on the energy efficiency rating of your new furnace. Keep in mind that the higher the AFUE (efficiency) rating, the greater the cost of the furnace. So here’s the question: will you save enough energy with a 90 AFUE furnace to justify the added expense, or will an 80 AFUE furnace more than meet your needs? When meeting with your heating contractor, ask them to calculate the fuel costs for both furnace types so you can make a fully informed decision
Two stage valves.
Purchasing a new furnace with this feature will help further reduce your energy costs since the furnace will run at a faster rate when first turned on and then at a reduced rate once the desired temperature has been reached.
A programmable thermostat.
There’s every reason to purchase at least one programmable thermostat with your new furnace, and no good reason not to. A programmable thermostat, by itself, can reduce your heating costs by about 2%. You can save even more with a Wi-Fi friendly thermostat, one that enables you to change the temperature setting as your plans changes from any location with Wi-Fi access.
Sealed combustion.
This is an important safety features that will help protect you and your family from carbon monoxide while adding even more to your system’s energy efficiency.
Here at Air Professionals, we have many years of experience in the design and installation of heating systems for homes of every type, layout, and size. We’ll present you with new furnace options to help match your needs and budget parameters as closely as we can, plus you can count on us to help keep it in top working order with annual preventive maintenance. At Air Professionals, we’re in it for the long haul because we know you are too. Contact us today for an in-home comfort evaluation and new furnace proposal.